Penile implant

ABSTRACT

According to an aspect, a penile implant includes a first member having a coupling portion and a locking portion and a second member having a coupling portion and a locking portion The coupling portion of the first member is configured to engage the coupling portion of the second member to movably couple the first member to the second member such that the first member is configured to be placed in a first position with respect to the second member and a second position with respect to the second member. The locking portion of the first member is configured to engage the locking portion of the second member help retain the first member in its second position with respect to the second member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S. Pat.Application No. 17/249,886, filed on Mar. 17, 2021, entitled “PENILEIMPLANT”, which claims priority to U.S. Pat. Application No. 16/052,370,filed on Aug. 1, 2018, entitled “PENILE IMPLANT”, now U.S. Pat. No,10,980,638, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. ApplicationNo. 62/541,248, filed on Aug. 4, 2017, entitled “PENILE IMPLANT”, thedisclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to bodily implants and morespecifically to bodily implants, such as penile prostheses, that may beplaced in multiple configurations.

BACKGROUND

One treatment for male erectile dysfunction is the implantation of apenile prosthesis that may be placed in a multiple configurations. Forexample, some existing penile prostheses may be implanted in or near thepenis of the patient and may be disposed in a first configuration toplace the penis in a flaccid-like state and may be disposed in a secondconfiguration to place the penis in an erect-like state. Some existingimplants include complex activation mechanisms to change theconfigurations of the implants and may require a large amount of effortto change or convert the implant from one configuration to anotherconfiguration.

Accordingly, it would be useful to provide a bodily implant, such as apenile prosthesis that may efficiently be moved from one configurationto another configuration.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect, a penile implant includes a first member havinga coupling portion and a locking portion and a second member having acoupling portion and a locking portion The coupling portion of the firstmember is configured to engage the coupling portion of the second memberto movably couple the first member to the second member such that thefirst member is configured to be placed in a first position with respectto the second member and a second position with respect to the secondmember. The locking portion of the first member is configured to engagethe locking portion of the second member help retain the first member inits second position with respect to the second member.

In some embodiments, the coupling portion of the first member includes acavity portion configured to receive the coupling portion of the secondmember. In some embodiments, the coupling portion of the first memberincludes a cavity portion, the coupling portion of the second memberincludes a protrusion portion, the cavity portion is configured toreceive at least a portion of the protrusion portion. In someembodiments, the coupling portion of the first member includes a cavityhaving a rounded surface.

In some embodiments, the coupling portion of the second member includesa protrusion portion, the protrusion portion having a rounded surface.In some embodiments, the coupling portion of the first member includes acavity, the locking portion of the first member being disposed withinthe cavity. In some embodiments, the coupling portion of the firstmember includes a side wall defining a cavity, the locking portion ofthe first member is a groove defined by the side wall.

In some embodiments, the coupling portion of the second member includesa protrusion portion, the locking portion of the second member beingdisposed on the protrusion portion. In some embodiments, the couplingportion of the second member includes a protrusion portion, the lockingportion of the second member includes a ridge, the ridge being disposedon the protrusion portion. In some embodiments, the coupling portion ofthe second member includes a protrusion portion, the locking portion ofthe second member includes a projection disposed on the protrusionportion. In some embodiments, the coupling portion of the second memberis a first coupling portion of the second member, wherein the secondmember includes a second coupling portion, the first coupling portion ofthe second member including a protrusion portion, the second couplingportion of the second member including a side wall defining a cavity.

In some embodiments, the coupling portion of the first member includes acavity, the locking portion of the first member includes a projection,the projection being disposed within the cavity. In some embodiments,the coupling portion of the second member includes a protrusion portion,the locking portion of the second member including a groove defined onthe protrusion portion.

In some embodiments, the penile implant includes a sheath defining alumen, the lumen being configured to house the first member and thesecond member.

In some embodiments, the penile implant includes a first end cap coupledto the first member; a second end cap coupled to the second member; anda sheath defining a lumen, the lumen being configured to house the firstmember, the second member, a least a portion of the first end cap, andat least a portion of the second end cap.

Accordingly to another aspect, an apparatus includes an elongate memberformed of a plurality of segment member, the elongate member configuredto be placed in a first non-linear configuration and in a linearconfiguration, a first segment member of the plurality of segmentmembers having a coupling portion and a locking portion, a secondsegment member of the plurality of segment members member having acoupling portion and a locking portion.

In some embodiments, the coupling portion of the first segment member isconfigured to engage the coupling portion of the second segment memberto movably couple the first member to the second member. In someembodiments, the locking portion of the first segment member isconfigured to engage the locking portion of the second segment memberhelp retain the elongate member in its linear configuration.

In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a sheath defining a lumen,the lumen being configured to house the plurality of segment members.

According to another aspect, a penile implant includes an elongatemember formed of a plurality of segment member, a first end member, anda second end member, the elongate member configured to be placed in afirst non-linear configuration and in a linear configuration; and asheath defining a lumen, the lumen being configured to house theplurality of segment members, at least a portion of the first endmember, and at least a portion of the second end member, a first segmentmember of the plurality of segment members having a coupling portion anda locking portion, a second segment member of the plurality of segmentmembers member having a coupling portion and a locking portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a penile prosthesis according to anembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a penile prosthesis according to anembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the penile prosthesis of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the penile prosthesis of FIG. 2 .

FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 are cross-sectional views of portions of the penileprosthesis of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a member of the penile prosthesis ofFIG. 2 .

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the penile prosthesis ofFIG. 2 in a non-linear configuration.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the penileprosthesis of FIG. 9 in a non-linear configuration.

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of the penile prosthesis of FIG. 2disposed within a body of a patient.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a penile prosthesis according to anembodiment.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the penile prosthesis of FIG. 12 .

FIG. 14 is a side view of a member of the penile prosthesis of FIG. 12 .

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the member of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 16 is a side view of a penile prosthesis according to anembodiment.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the penile prosthesis of FIG. 16 .

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a member of the penile prosthesis ofFIG. 16 .

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the member of FIG. 18 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed embodiments are disclosed herein. However, it is understoodthat the disclosed embodiments are merely examples, which may beembodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functionaldetails disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, butmerely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis forteaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the embodiments invirtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms andphrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but to provide anunderstandable description of the present disclosure.

The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more thanone. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a secondor more. The terms “including” and/or “having”, as used herein, aredefined as comprising (i.e., open transition). The term “coupled” or“moveably coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, althoughnot necessarily directly and mechanically.

In general, the embodiments are directed to medical devices or implantssuch as penile prostheses or other bodily implants. The term patient oruser may hereafter be used for a person who benefits from the medicaldevice or the methods disclosed in the present disclosure. For example,the patient can be a person whose body is implanted with the medicaldevice or the method disclosed for operating the medical device by thepresent disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the patient may bea human male, a human female, or any other mammal.

The terms proximal and distal described in relation to various devices,apparatuses, and components as discussed in the subsequent text of thepresent disclosure are referred with a point of reference. The point ofreference, as used in this description, is a perspective of a person whoimplants the device such as the penile prosthesis. The person may be asurgeon, a physician, a nurse, a doctor, a technician, and the like whomay perform the implantation procedure. The term proximal refers to anarea or portion that is closer or closest to the person during theimplantation procedure. The term distal refers to an area or portionthat is farther or farthest from the person.

The embodiments discussed herein may improve the performance of a penileprosthesis. For example, the penile prosthesis may have improvedusability. Specifically, the penile prosthesis may require a smallamount of effort to convert the implant from a first configuration to asecond configuration. Additionally, the penile prosthesis may requireless effort to implant the device into the body of a patient.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a prosthesis or an implant 100according to an aspect. The implant includes a first member 110 and asecond member 140. The implant 100 may be disposed or placed within abody of a patient or user. For example, in some embodiment, the implant100 may be a penile implant and the implant 100 may be placed within apenis of a patient. Specifically, in some embodiments, the implant 100may be implanted within the corpus cavernosae of the patient. In otherembodiments, the implant may be placed in other locations within thebody of the patient.

In some embodiments, more than one implant 100 may be placed within thebody of the patient. For example, in some embodiments, two implants 100may be placed within the body of the patient. Specifically, in someembodiments, two implants 100 may be placed within a penis of thepatient. The implants may be placed within the penis of the patient insubstantially parallel or a side-by-side arraignment. In otherembodiments, only one implant 100 is disposed or implanted within thebody of the patient.

The implant 100 may be placed in a first configuration and a secondconfiguration different than the first configuration. For example, insome embodiments, the implant 100 may be able to be placed in a straightor linear configuration and in a curved or non-linear configuration.Accordingly, in some embodiments, the implant 100 may be placed within apenis of the patient and the patient may selectively place the implantin (1) a straight or linear configuration to achieve or simulate anerect penis or (2) a curved or non-linear configuration to achieve orsimulate a flaccid penis.

The first member 110 includes a coupling portion 112 and a lockingportion 122. The second member 140 includes a coupling portion 142 and alocking portion 152.

The coupling portion 112 of the first member 110 is configured to engageor interact with the coupling portion 142 of the second member 140 tocouple the first member 110 to the second member 140. For example, thefirst member 110 may be coupled to the second member 140 such that thefirst member 110 may move with respect to the second member 140 (and thesecond member 140 may move with respect to the first member 110). Insome embodiments, the members may move with respect to each other suchthat the members may be placed in a straight or linear configuration anda curved or non-linear configuration.

In some embodiments, the coupling portion 112 of the first member 110 isconfigured to frictionally engage the coupling portion 142 of the secondmember 140 to frictionally couple the first member 110 to the secondmember 120. For example, in some embodiments, the coupling portion 112of the first member 110 is a cavity or opening and the coupling portion142 of the second member 140 is a protrusion. The cavity or opening isconfigured to receive the protrusion to couple the first member 110 tothe second member 140. In other embodiments, other types of coupling orcoupling portions may be used to couple the first member 110 to thesecond member 140.

The locking portion 122 of the first member 110 is configured to engageor interact with the locking portion 152 of the second member 140. Forexample, the locking portions 122 and 152 may engage or contact eachother when the member 110 and 140 are disposed in a specificconfiguration to help retain the members 110 and 140 in thatconfiguration. In some embodiments, the locking portions 122 and 152 areconfigured to help retain the members 110 and 140 in their straight orlinear configuration.

In some embodiments, the locking portion 122 of the first member 110 isa groove or opening and the locking portion 152 of the second member 140is a ridge or projection. The groove or opening is configured to receivethe ridge or projection to lock or help retain the members 110 and 140in a specific configuration or orientation with respect to each other.In other embodiments, the locking portions may have differentconfigurations to lock the members in place with respect to each other.

In some embodiments, a plurality of members may be coupled together toform a bodily implant such as a penile implant. More or less of themembers may be serially coupled together to form different sizedimplants. For example, in one embodiment, 15 members may be coupledtogether to form an implant of a first length or size and in anotherembodiment, 20 members may be coupled together to form an implant of alarger size.

In some embodiments, the implant may include end members or end caps aswell as a sheath such as an outer sheath. In some embodiments, thesheath may define a lumen that is configured to house or retain themembers of the implant.

FIGS. 2-11 illustrate an implant or penile prosthesis 200 according toan aspect. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a penile prosthesis accordingto an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the penileprosthesis 200. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the penile prosthesis 200.FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 are cross-sectional views of portions of the penileprosthesis 200. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a member of thepenile prosthesis 200. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of thepenile prosthesis 200 in a non-linear configuration. FIG. 10 is across-sectional view of the portion of the penile prosthesis 200 in anon-linear configuration. FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of thepenile prosthesis 200 disposed within a body of a patient.

The implant 200 includes a plurality of members. Each of the members isstructurally and functionally similar. Accordingly, portions of a firstmember 210 and a second member 240 will be described in detail below.

The implant 200 may be disposed or placed within a body of a patient oruser. For example, in some embodiment, the implant 200 may be a penileimplant and the implant 200 may be placed within a penis of a patient.Specifically, in some embodiments, the implant 200 may be implantedwithin the corpus cavernosae of the patient. In other embodiments, theimplant may be placed in other locations within the body of the patient.

In some embodiments, more than one implant 200 may be placed within thebody of the patient. For example, in some embodiments, two implants 200may be placed within the body of the patient. Specifically, in someembodiments, two implants 200 may be placed within a penis of thepatient. The implants may be placed within the penis of the patient insubstantially parallel or a side-by-side arraignment. In otherembodiments, only one implant 200 is disposed or implanted within thebody of the patient.

The implant 200 may be placed in a first configuration and a secondconfiguration different than the first configuration. For example, insome embodiments, the implant 200 may be able to be placed in a straightor linear configuration and in a curved or non-linear configuration.Accordingly, in some embodiments, the implant 200 may be placed within apenis of the patient and the patient may selectively place the implantin (1) a straight or linear configuration to achieve or simulate anerect penis or (2) a curved or non-linear configuration to achieve orsimulate a flaccid penis.

The first member 210 includes a coupling portion 212 and a lockingportion 222. The second member 240 includes a coupling portion 242 and alocking portion 252.

The coupling portion 212 of the first member 210 is configured to engageor interact with the coupling portion 242 of the second member 240 tocouple the first member 210 to the second member 240. The first member210 is coupled to the second member 240 such that the first member 210may move with respect to the second member 240 (and the second member240 may move with respect to the first member 210). The members 210 and240 may move with respect to each other such that the members may beplaced in a straight or linear configuration and a curved or non-linearconfiguration.

In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling portion 212 of the firstmember 210 is a cavity or opening 214. Specifically, the first member210 includes a sidewall 216 that defines the cavity or opening 214. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the sidewall 216 defines a spherical-like orhemispherical-like cavity or opening. In other embodiments, the cavityor opening has a different shape.

In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling portion 242 of the secondmember 240 includes a protrusion or protrusion portion 244. Theprotrusion or protrusion portion 244 is spherical-like in shape. Inother embodiments, the protrusion or protrusion portion has a differentshape.

The cavity or opening 214 is configured to receive the protrusion orprotrusion portion 244 to couple the first member 210 to the secondmember 240. Similar to a ball and socket type joint, the couplingbetween the cavity 214 and the protrusion 244 allows the members 210 and240 to move with respect to each other. As best illustrated in FIG. 6 ,the coupling between the cavity 214 and the protrusion 244 allows formovement to plus and minus seventeen degrees from the centerline. Inother embodiments, the coupling may allow for more movement. In yetother embodiments, the coupling may allow for less movement.

The locking portion 222 of the first member 210 is configured to engageor interact with the locking portion 252 of the second member 240. Forexample, the locking portions 222 and 252 may engage or contact eachother when the members 210 and 240 are disposed in a specificconfiguration to help retain the members 210 and 240 in thatconfiguration. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking portions 222and 252 are configured to help retain the members 210 and 240 in theirstraight or linear configuration.

In the illustrated embodiment, the locking portion 222 of the firstmember 210 is a groove or opening 224. The groove or opening 224 islocated or disposed within the cavity 214. Specifically, the groove oropening 224 is defined by the sidewall 216 that forms or defines thecavity 214. In the illustrated embodiment, the groove or opening 224extends around the cavity or opening 214 to form a complete circle. Inother embodiments, the groove or opening 224 has a different size orshape.

In the illustrated embodiment, the locking portion 252 of the secondmember 240 is a ridge or projection 254. The ridge or projection 254 islocated on the protrusion portion 244 of the second member 240.Specifically, the ridge or projection extends about the surface of theprotrusion portion 244 to form a complete circle. In other embodiments,the ridge or projection has a different shape or size.

The groove or opening 224 is configured to receive the ridge orprojection 254 to lock or help retain the members 210 and 240 in aspecific configuration or orientation with respect to each other. In theillustrated embodiment, the groove or opening 224 is configured toreceive the ridge or projection 254 when the members 210 and 240 areplaced in their straight or linear configuration to lock or help retainthe members 210 and 240 in such a configuration. In other embodiments,the locking portions may have different configurations to lock themembers in place with respect to each other.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of first member 210. As discussedabove, the first member 210 includes a coupling portion 212 (cavity oropening). The first member 210 also includes a second coupling portion272 (protrusion or protrusion portion). Accordingly, the implant 200includes many members that may be serially coupled together to form thebodily implant 200 such as a penile implant. More or less of the membersmay be serially coupled together to form different sized implants. Forexample, in one embodiment, 15 members may be coupled together to forman implant of a first length or size and in another embodiment, 20members may be coupled together to form an implant of a larger size.

In the illustrated embodiment, the implant 200 includes a rear endassembly 280 and a front end assembly 290. The rear end assembly 280includes a rear end member 282 and a rear end cap 284. The rear endmember 282 includes a first end portion coupled to the rear most memberand a second end portion coupled to the rear end cap 284. The front endassembly 290 includes a front end member 292 and a front end cap 294.The front end member includes a first end portion coupled to the frontmost member and a second end portion coupled to the front end cap 294.

The implant 200 also includes a sheath 260. The sheath 260 defines alumen 262. In the illustrated embodiment, the sheath 260 is configuredto house or surround most or all of the members. Specifically, the lumen262 is configured to house the members. In other words, the members,including the first member 210 and the second member 240, are disposedwithin the lumen 262 of the sheath 260. In the illustrated embodiment,the sheath 260 is coupled to and extends from the rear end cap 284 tothe front end cap 294. In some embodiments, the sheath 260 may be formedof a bioabsorbable material.

As illustrated in FIG. 11 , the implant may be placed or disposed withina penis P of a patient or user. In the illustrated embodiment, a firstimplant 200A and a second implant 200B are disposed or placed within thepenis of the patient. The implants are placed in a parallel orside-by-side relationship (with the urethra of the patient extendingbetween the implants). In some embodiments, only one implant is disposedwithin the patient. Additionally, in some embodiments, the implant isplaced or disposed in another portion of the body of the patient.

In use, a user or patient may straighten their penis to place theimplant 200 in its first, straight, or linear configuration. Forexample, a user may grasp and lift an end of their penis to straightentheir penis and place the implant 200 in its first, straight, or linearconfiguration. The lifting and end portion or straightening of theimplant 200 will cause locking members of the members to engage with thelocking members of the adjacent members. In this configuration, theimplant 200 is retained in its first, straight, or linear configuration.

A user or patient may push their penis down or into a non-linearposition. This movement will overcome the locking force of the lockingportions and will release the implant 200 from its first, straight, orlinear configuration. Specifically, the implant 200 will be returned toits second, curved or non-linear configuration.

FIGS. 12-15 illustrate an implant or penile prosthesis 300 according toan aspect. FIG. 12 is a side view of the penile prosthesis 300 accordingto an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the penileprosthesis 300. FIG. 14 is a side view of a member 310 of the penileprosthesis 300. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the member 310.

The implant 300 includes a plurality of members. Each of the members isstructurally and functionally similar. Accordingly, only member 310 willbe described in detail below.

The implant 300 may be disposed or placed within a body of a patient oruser. For example, in some embodiment, the implant 300 may be a penileimplant and the implant 300 may be placed within a penis of a patient.Specifically, in some embodiments, the implant 300 may be implantedwithin the corpus cavernosae of the patient. In other embodiments, theimplant may be placed in other locations within the body of the patient.

In some embodiments, more than one implant 300 may be placed within thebody of the patient. For example, in some embodiments, two implants 300may be placed within the body of the patient. Specifically, in someembodiments, two implants 300 may be placed within a penis of thepatient. The implants may be placed within the penis of the patient insubstantially parallel or a side-by-side arraignment. In otherembodiments, only one implant 300 is disposed or implanted within thebody of the patient.

The implant 300 may be placed in a first configuration and a secondconfiguration different than the first configuration. For example, insome embodiments, the implant 300 may be able to be placed in a straightor linear configuration and in a curved or non-linear configuration.Accordingly, in some embodiments, the implant 300 may be placed within apenis of the patient and the patient may selectively place the implantin (1) a straight or linear configuration to achieve or simulate anerect penis or (2) a curved or non-linear configuration to achieve orsimulate a flaccid penis.

The member 310 includes a first coupling portion 312 and a first lockingportion 322. The member 310 also includes a second coupling portion 372and a second locking portion 374.

The first coupling portion 312 of the member 310 is configured to engageor interact with a coupling portion of another member to couple themember 310 to the other member. The member 310 is coupled to the othermember such that the member 310 may move with respect to the othermember (and the other member may move with respect to the member 310).The second coupling portion 372 of the member 310 is configured toengage or interact with a coupling portion of yet another member tocouple the member 310 to the yet other member.

The members may move with respect to each other such that the membersmay be placed in a straight or linear configuration and a curved ornon-linear configuration.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first coupling portion 312 of themember 310 is a cavity or opening 314. Specifically, the member 310includes a sidewall 216 that defines the cavity or opening 314. In theillustrated embodiment, the sidewall 316 defines a spherical-like orhemispherical-like cavity or opening. In other embodiments, the cavityor opening has a different shape.

The second coupling portion 372 of the member 310 includes a protrusionor protrusion portion 374. The protrusion or protrusion portion 374 isspherical-like in shape. In other embodiments, the protrusion orprotrusion portion has a different shape.

The cavity or opening 314 is configured to receive the protrusion orprotrusion portion of another member to couple the member 310 to theother member.

A first locking portion 322 of the member 310 is configured to engage orinteract with a locking portion of another member to help retain themembers in a specific configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, thelocking portions are configured to help retain the members in theirstraight or linear configuration.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first locking portion 322 of themember 310 is an opening or a detent 324. The opening or detent 324 islocated or disposed within the cavity 314.

In the illustrated embodiment, a second locking portion 376 of themember 310 is a projection 378. The projection 378 is located on theprotrusion portion 372 of the member 310. The opening or detent 324 isconfigured to receive the projection of an adjacent member to lock orhelp retain the members in a specific configuration or orientation withrespect to each other.

FIGS. 16-19 illustrate an implant or penile prosthesis 400 according toan aspect. FIG. 16 is a side view of the penile prosthesis 400. FIG. 17is a cross-sectional view of the penile prosthesis 400. FIG. 18 is aperspective view of a member 410 of the penile prosthesis 400. FIG. 19is a cross-sectional view of the member 410.

The implant 400 includes a plurality of members. Each of the members isstructurally and functionally similar. Accordingly, only member 410 willbe described in detail below.

The implant 400 may be disposed or placed within a body of a patient oruser. For example, in some embodiment, the implant 400 may be a penileimplant and the implant 400 may be placed within a penis of a patient.Specifically, in some embodiments, the implant 400 may be implantedwithin the corpus cavernosae of the patient. In other embodiments, theimplant may be placed in other locations within the body of the patient.

In some embodiments, more than one implant 400 may be placed within thebody of the patient. For example, in some embodiments, two implants 400may be placed within the body of the patient. Specifically, in someembodiments, two implants 300 may be placed within a penis of thepatient. The implants may be placed within the penis of the patient insubstantially parallel or a side-by-side arraignment. In otherembodiments, only one implant 400 is disposed or implanted within thebody of the patient.

The implant 400 may be placed in a first configuration and a secondconfiguration different than the first configuration. For example, insome embodiments, the implant 400 may be able to be placed in a straightor linear configuration and in a curved or non-linear configuration.Accordingly, in some embodiments, the implant 400 may be placed within apenis of the patient and the patient may selectively place the implantin (1) a straight or linear configuration to achieve or simulate anerect penis or (2) a curved or non-linear configuration to achieve orsimulate a flaccid penis.

The member 410 includes a first coupling portion 412 and a first lockingportion 422. The member 410 also includes a second coupling portion 472and a second locking portion 474.

The first coupling portion 412 of the member 410 is configured to engageor interact with a coupling portion of another member to couple themember 410 to the other member. The member 410 is coupled to the othermember such that the member 410 may move with respect to the othermember (and the other member may move with respect to the member 410).The second coupling portion 472 of the member 410 is configured toengage or interact with a coupling portion of yet another member tocouple the member 410 to the yet other member.

The members may move with respect to each other such that the membersmay be placed in a straight or linear configuration and a curved ornon-linear configuration.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first coupling portion 412 of themember 410 is a cavity or opening 414. Specifically, the member 410includes a sidewall 416 that defines the cavity or opening 414.

The second coupling portion 472 of the member 410 includes a protrusionor protrusion portion 474. The protrusion or protrusion portion 474 isspherical-like in shape. In other embodiments, the protrusion orprotrusion portion has a different shape.

The cavity or opening 414 is configured to receive the protrusion orprotrusion portion of another member to couple the member 410 to theother member.

A first locking portion 422 of the member 410 is configured to engage orinteract with a locking portion of another member to help retain themembers in a specific configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, thelocking portions are configured to help retain the members in theirstraight or linear configuration.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first locking portion 422 of themember 410 includes a tab member 431 and a projection 433. The tabmember 431 is configured to flex and the projection 433 extends into thecavity or opening 414. In the illustrated embodiment, the member 410includes more than one tab and projection. In other embodiments, one ormore than one tab and projection are included.

In the illustrated embodiment, a second locking portion 476 of themember 410 is a groove or opening 478. The groove or opening 478 islocated on the protrusion portion 472 of the member 410. The groove oropening 478 is configured to receive the projection of an adjacentmember to lock or help retain the members in a specific configuration ororientation with respect to each other.

While certain features of the described implementations have beenillustrated as described herein, many modifications, substitutions,changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. Itis, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended tocover all such modifications and changes as fall within the scope of theembodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A penile implant, comprising: a first memberhaving a coupling portion and a locking portion; and a second memberhaving a coupling portion and a locking portion, the coupling portion ofthe first member configured to engage the coupling portion of the secondmember to movably couple the first member to the second member such thatthe first member is configured to be placed in a first position withrespect to the second member and a second position with respect to thesecond member, the locking portion of the first member being configuredto engage the locking portion of the second member help retain the firstmember in its second position with respect to the second member.
 2. Thepenile implant of claim 1, wherein the coupling portion of the firstmember includes a cavity portion configured to receive the couplingportion of the second member.
 3. The penile implant of claim 1, whereinthe coupling portion of the first member includes a cavity portion, thecoupling portion of the second member includes a protrusion portion, thecavity portion is configured to receive at least a portion of theprotrusion portion.
 4. The penile implant of claim 1, wherein thecoupling portion of the first member includes a cavity having a roundedsurface.
 5. The penile implant of claim 1, wherein the coupling portionof the second member includes a protrusion portion, the protrusionportion having a rounded surface.
 6. The penile implant of claim 1,wherein the coupling portion of the first member includes a cavity, thelocking portion of the first member being disposed within the cavity. 7.The penile implant of claim 1, wherein the coupling portion of the firstmember includes a side wall defining a cavity, the locking portion ofthe first member is a groove defined by the side wall.
 8. The penileimplant of claim 1, wherein the coupling portion of the second memberincludes a protrusion portion, the locking portion of the second memberbeing disposed on the protrusion portion.
 9. The penile implant of claim1, wherein the coupling portion of the second member includes aprotrusion portion, the locking portion of the second member includes aridge, the ridge being disposed on the protrusion portion.
 10. Thepenile implant of claim 1, wherein the coupling portion of the secondmember includes a protrusion portion, the locking portion of the secondmember includes a projection disposed on the protrusion portion.
 11. Thepenile implant of claim 1, the coupling portion of the second member isa first coupling portion of the second member, wherein the second memberincludes a second coupling portion, the first coupling portion of thesecond member including a protrusion portion, the second couplingportion of the second member including a side wall defining a cavity.12. The penile implant of claim 1, wherein the coupling portion of thefirst member includes a cavity, the locking portion of the first memberincludes a projection, the projection being disposed within the cavity.13. The penile implant of claim 1, wherein the coupling portion of thesecond member includes a protrusion portion, the locking portion of thesecond member including a groove defined on the protrusion portion. 14.The penile implant of claim 1, further comprising: a sheath defining alumen, the lumen being configured to house the first member and thesecond member.
 15. The penile implant of claim 1, further comprising: afirst end cap coupled to the first member; a second end cap coupled tothe second member; and a sheath defining a lumen, the lumen beingconfigured to house the first member, the second member, a least aportion of the first end cap, and at least a portion of the second endcap.
 16. An apparatus comprising: an elongate member formed of aplurality of segment member, the elongate member configured to be placedin a first non-linear configuration and in a linear configuration, afirst segment member of the plurality of segment members having acoupling portion and a locking portion, a second segment member of theplurality of segment members member having a coupling portion and alocking portion.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the couplingportion of the first segment member is configured to engage the couplingportion of the second segment member to movably couple the first memberto the second member.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the lockingportion of the first segment member is configured to engage the lockingportion of the second segment member help retain the elongate member inits linear configuration.
 19. The apparatus of claim 16, furthercomprising: a sheath defining a lumen, the lumen being configured tohouse the plurality of segment members.
 20. A penile implant,comprising: an elongate member formed of a plurality of segment member,a first end member, and a second end member, the elongate memberconfigured to be placed in a first non-linear configuration and in alinear configuration; and a sheath defining a lumen, the lumen beingconfigured to house the plurality of segment members, at least a portionof the first end member, and at least a portion of the second endmember, a first segment member of the plurality of segment membershaving a coupling portion and a locking portion, a second segment memberof the plurality of segment members member having a coupling portion anda locking portion.